Quote Originally Posted by mattsdragons
all i can think of it similar to drill motor style and some how attatch some threaded rod on the front and go down that route.

kaizer is a good example, ask ceri for some pics
Jamie may hold that against you, Matt. He built Kaizer's lifter not me!

Though it's a good working mechanism - Kaizer's goes from a drill motor gear box through a welded screw jack designed to lift cars, Laser had a similar mechanism using a drill's existing chuck turning a threaded rod, both suprisingly effective if slower in the task of lifting.

The windscreen wiper or electric window gearboxes or even a seat actuator (SMIDSY used to use some!) would be suitable for use but both the WW motor & Electric window would mount the forks primiarily vertically as opposed to the horizontal plates of Smidsy, Laser & Kaizer n- If they're not strong enough metal wise they will bend!

http://s31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...shirerobotics/
Jamie's photobucket is always good reading - you can see the build of Kaizer's lifter & Rex's robot challenge articles. Good luck!